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Government Incentives and Support Programs for Entrepreneurs

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Government Incentives and Support Programs for Entrepreneurs

Government Incentives and Support Programs for Entrepreneurs

 

The government provides a wide range of support mechanisms for entrepreneurs who wish to turn their business ideas into reality, with the aim of maintaining economic stability, reducing unemployment, increasing employment, and encouraging high value-added production.

Within this framework, entrepreneurs are supported in areas such as research and development and technology-driven production, strengthening domestic manufacturing, business development and scaling, international expansion, access to finance, guidance and consultancy services, mentorship, rapid support programs, as well as laboratory and testing services.

These support mechanisms are further reinforced through various tax incentives, making it easier for entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses. As a result, there are numerous programs designed to meet the different needs of individuals planning to start their own ventures.

This article series outlines the public support programs available to entrepreneurs, the opportunities provided under these programs, and the legal requirements set out in the relevant legislation. In this first section, the primary support programs for entrepreneurs—particularly those targeting newly established businesses—are introduced.

 

Support Program for Early-Stage Businesses (Traditional Entrepreneur Program)

 

This program is designed for newly established enterprises and primarily aims to ensure the sustainability of businesses during the initial stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

Types of Support Provided

  • Start-up Grant (Non-Repayable):
    • TRY 5,000 for sole proprietorships
    • TRY 10,000 for capital companies
  • Performance-Based Support:
    • Up to TRY 40,000
  • Vocational Certification Support:
    • Up to TRY 5,000 in non-repayable support for vocational and technical certificates required for employed personnel

Eligibility Criteria

  • Completion of entrepreneurship training prior to application,
  • The business must be established as a sole proprietorship or a legal entity,
  • Registration and active status in the SME Information System (KBS),
  • The business must have been established no more than one year prior to the application date.

 

Technology and Innovation-Focused Entrepreneur Support Program (Advanced Entrepreneur Program)

 

The Advanced Entrepreneur Support Program aims to promote innovative business ideas with high technological content and strong growth potential.

Support Elements Offered

  • Start-up Grant (Non-Repayable):
    • TRY 5,000 for sole proprietorships
    • TRY 10,000 for capital companies
  • Performance-Based Support:
    • Up to TRY 40,000
  • Machinery, Equipment and Software Support:
    • General upper limit of TRY 100,000
    • Up to TRY 200,000 for medium-high technology activities
    • Up to TRY 300,000 for high-technology activities
  • Mentorship and Consultancy Support:
    • Up to TRY 10,000
  • Employee Certification Support:
    • Up to TRY 5,000 in non-repayable assistance

Application Requirements

  • Entrepreneurship training must be completed before the establishment of the business,
  • The enterprise must operate as a sole proprietorship or legal entity,
  • The business must be registered and active in the SME Information System (KBS),
  • The entrepreneur must hold at least 50% ownership as a founding partner,
  • The field of activity must fall within the program’s eligible activity list,
  • The business must have been established within the last one year.

 

Business Idea and Business Plan Award Program

This program aims to encourage entrepreneurship by rewarding successful business ideas, models, and plans through cooperation with institutions and organizations within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

 

Awards and Incentives Provided

  • University-Based Competitions:
    • TRY 25,000 for first place, TRY 20,000 for second place, and TRY 15,000 for third place
  • National and International Competitions:
    • Up to TRY 100,000 in awards for businesses to be established in Türkiye
  • Localization of Foreign-Origin Startups:
    • Up to TRY 100,000 in non-repayable awards for enterprises operating in Türkiye

Eligibility Conditions

  • The business owned by the award-winning entrepreneur must be established as a sole proprietorship or legal entity,
  • The enterprise must be registered and active in the SME Information System (KBS).

 

Entrepreneurship Training Programs

 

Entrepreneurship training programs aim to enhance entrepreneurs’ knowledge and competencies related to business establishment and management. Completion of these trainings is a mandatory requirement to benefit from entrepreneur support programs.

  • All training programs are free of charge
  • Trainings are delivered through distance learning methods
  • Open to all prospective entrepreneurs

Types of Training

  • Basic Entrepreneurship Training
  • Advanced Entrepreneurship Training

(Completion of the basic training is required before enrolling in the advanced training.)

Basic Training Curriculum

  • Fundamental entrepreneurship concepts and idea development
  • Feasibility studies and business model creation
  • Customer, market, and competition analysis
  • Legal structure and ethical principles
  • Marketing and management processes

Advanced Training Curriculum

  • Business networking strategies
  • Financial structure and resource management
  • Innovation management and intellectual property rights
  • Strategic management and professionalization
  • Growth, scaling, and business plan development

 


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